As I write these thoughts, I am flying home from Seattle where our youngest son, Matthew, was just married. My heart is thrilled to think of how God has blessed him with a new bride. I am excited to know that they are going to serve the Lord with their lives in the days ahead.

While I am glad that each of our four children is married to a godly spouse, I must admit I am a little sad at the passing of time. As I look back over the years of raising our children, I certainly can think of areas in which we could have done better. But I also thank the Lord that our four children went to the wedding altar in purity and with a dedication for the Lord Jesus Christ.

When I was thinking about why I should be glad, twenty-three reasons came to my mind: (more…)

Today our family celebrated Matthew and Katie’s marriage in Seattle, Washington (see photos). Matthew is our fourth and youngest child, and he means so much to Terrie and me. We’re thankful for His growth in the Lord and heart for the Lord’s work.

Matt met Katie during their first year at West Coast Baptist College, and they began dating several weeks later. It’s been a joy to see their relationship grow, and I know the Lord will use them mightily. (more…)

Nearly twenty-four years ago our family moved to Lancaster, California, to begin ministry at Lancaster Baptist Church. At that time, we had two children, Danielle and Larry, and God soon blessed us with two more children, Kristine and Matthew.

Yesterday was one of the most joyous days in our lives as Terrie and I had the privilege of seeing our daughter Kristine become the wife of a godly young man, Jon Sisson.

Jon is a missionaries’ son from the Philippines. He and Kristi met and fell in love here at West Coast Baptist College a few years ago. We were honored last evening by the presence of our church family, pastor friends, and relatives from across the nation.

We are thankful to the Lord for His grace upon Jon and Kristine. Their testimony as a dating couple has honored the Lord and their parents. Joining me in the ceremony were Dr. David Gibbs, Jr. and Dr. Don Sisk. Their mentoring in my life and their love for our children has been a precious treasure.

As Terrie and I woke this morning, our hearts were filled with mixed emotions. We were sad to think of how quickly time has gone by, yet thrilled to know that Jon and Kristi are following their Saviour. We look forward to seeing their lives bring honor and glory to Christ. The Bible says in 3 John 1:4, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.”

Although weary from an emotional few days with the wedding, I look forward to sharing the Gospel in a few hours at our Saturday evening musical presentation, “The Majesty of Christmas.” It is a joy to serve the King of Kings!

These past couple years have brought about many changes to the Chappell household. We have seen many graduations, engagements, and weddings. And it has been a joy for my wife and I to see God’s plan for each of our children unfold in their lives.

In the fall of 2004, Jon Sisson traveled from the Philippines, where his parents were missionaries, to Lancaster to attend WCBC. While attending West Coast, Jon was a star athlete on the college basketball team, as well as an excellent student in the classroom. Jon and Kristi, our daughter, met during this time and have been dating for the last several years.

Last Thursday, Jon joined our family for dinner on the coast. After dinner, he and Kristi took a walk on the beach where he then asked for Kristine’s hand in marriage. It was a great night for our entire family. I’m proud of Jon and Kristi and of the testimony they have both had for the Lord. Please pray for them as they prepare to serve the Lord with their lives.